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Six Nations 2017 preview

November 22, 2016

After the recent games in the Autumn Internationals, some of the Six Nations teams have seen a bit of a shift in the world rankings which might be of huge benefit when it comes to the draw for the World Cup in May. If you’re an avid rugby fan, you’ll probably be considering getting tickets to cheer on your team in the upcoming Six Nations so we’re looking ahead to then and what we think can be expected in spring from each of the teams.

England

English fans have been showing a keen interest in tickets for the upcoming tournament and this could be from their two solid wins against South Africa and Fiji, or because of their Grand Slam win last year which perhaps wasn’t totally expected after a few strong years from Ireland. England aren’t second in the world for no reason though so coach Eddie Jones might not be made to eat his words about rivals Wales just yet. With 9 trys in their weekend win over Fiji, English fans should probably try to grab Six Nations tickets quickly because the team is certainly becoming more and more exciting to watch on the pitch.

France

France could have a worrying Six Nations tournament after what was far from a promising display against a weakened Australian team. However, Australia have been lucky with some last-ditch efforts in the Autumn Internationals so the true test of France will come this Saturday when they take on the All Blacks. However, with away games in London, Dublin and Rome in the Six Nations, they might find it difficult against the more promising Italy and of course, dominant England and Ireland squads.

Ireland

Ireland waited well over 100years to beat the All Blacks so victory was sweet in Chicago with their dominant display which saw them rise into fourth place in the world rankings. While their momentum soon changed when the sides met again at the Aviva Stadium, much discussion around the game has focused on the physicality shown by New Zealand and whether it was perhaps too far. Ireland’s disappointing Six Nations 2016 should be brushed over and the team will hope to regroup under captain Rory Best for the tournament next year where they get underway with two away games in Edinburgh and Rome.

Italy

Italy have clearly been working on their defensive game and this was evident in their victory over previously fourth-placed South Africa. This was a combination of some rookie mistakes from South Africa but also Italy being able to answer any questions asked of them and you can’t help but feel their luck is about to change in the upcoming Six Nations. With Ireland, Wales and France all travelling to Rome in 2017, if they can focus on these home games then they stand in a good stead to avoid the wooden spoon. If you’re looking to take in an away game, then our ActivityBreaks.com recommendation is for the Italy home games with their affordable packages (and an excuse to visit beautiful Rome!).

Scotland

Scotland must have had major déjà vu during these Autumn Internationals when Australia somehow managed to narrowly defeat them with only 5 minutes left of the match. However, their efforts were soon rewarded in their next game against Argentina where captain Greig Laidlaw led by example with his late penalty conversion. If ever there was a time Scotland needed to perform, it’s in the Six Nations 2017 tournament where holding onto their new eighth place ranking is key to benefit from avoiding more of the higher ranked teams in the World Cup.

Wales

Wales, like rivals England, have also remained undefeated in the Autumn Internationals with wins against Japan and Argentina. Much has been said (especially by England coach Eddie Jones) of the weak team Japan fielded and the narrow victory seen by Wales, so if South Africa return to their usual form, then you can’t help but feel this might well be Wales’ only proper challenge ahead of the Six Nations. Mind-games abound from England is likely to only further spur on Wales and see them pick up right where they left off in last year’s tournament.